Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has congratulated Governor Olusegun Mimiko on emerging victorious in the titanic electoral contest in Ondo State of October 20.Also,Nigeria Labour Congress ,NLC has congratulated Mimiko on his victory.
In a statement issued in Benin City, Oshiomhole said: “I wish to congratulate Governor Olusegun Mimiko on emerging victorious in the titanic electoral contest in Ondo State on October 20.
“From the results, it is quite clear that the Labour Party’s candidate is the people’s choice just as the standard-bearers of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) deserve praise for giving a good account of themselves. In the circumstance, it is only natural that one person will carry the day.
“So, I also like to congratulate the duo of Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of ACN and Chief Olusola Oke of PDP on a gallant showing.
“For me, the ultimate victor in this contest is the people of Ondo State for turning out in large number to exercise their civic right. Such engagement is surely needed to enrich our electoral experience, thereby deepening the architecture of our democracy.
“Against this backdrop, I urge you, Governor Mimiko, to work conscientiously to reach out to your opponents particularly the leadership of ACN and the candidate with a view to forging reconciliation and moving the state forward.
“My comment here is without prejudice to whatever might be the ultimate decision of ACN after a detailed study of the results of the election”, Oshiomhole said.
The NLC in a statement by Emma Ugboaja ,its acting general secretary congratulated Dr. Abdulraman Olusegun Mimiko, on his re-election as governor of Ondo State on the platform of the Labour Party.
“While we congratulate Dr. Mimiko as the candidate, we believe the people of Ondo State who conducted themselves peacefully before, during and after the election deserve a lot of commendation. Their conducts encouraged an atmosphere conducive for a free and fair election. We also commend all the security agencies for the impartial manner they conducted their duties before, during and after the elections”NLC said.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has so far proven to Nigerians that under a patriotic and focused leadership, the commission can conduct a free and fair election. The Atahiru Jega leadership since assumption of office has demonstrated a high sense of responsibility, patriotism, sincerity and commitment to a credible electoral process and this is what we need as a nation for democracy and good governance to grow”, the statement by the acting secretary general said.
The NLC also commended President Goodluck Jonathan who it said has demonstrated commitment to his promise for free and fair electoral process and decent politics,adding that the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States clearly give hope for good governance if Mr. President continues to demonstrate his commitment to free and fair election at all levels.
“We however urge Mr. President to implement the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee’s report in full. This will ventilate our political system and deepen democracy in Nigeria”NLC said.
The NLC also has some advice for politicians as it said “As we move away from violent, manipulative elections; it is important our politicians also change their political methods. It should be clear now that rigging, vote stuffing, and manipulation (are) no longer attractive.”
“What got Dr. Mimiko a re-election is clearly the developmental strides his administration has achieved in Ondo State in the course of his first term in office. We urge him to re-double his effort and ensure that the quality of life in Ondo State improves through massive job creation, quality education, industrialization, road construction etc. These, he had started during his first term and he must continue”NLC said.
